Skip to content

How to make paper people chains

Paper chains are even easier to make than bunting and these people paper chains are perfect for brightening up any Big Lunch or seasonal event!

Did you know?

The world’s longest paper chain was made by 60 people in 24 hours at Paul D Camp Community College in Virginia, USA? The chain, made between 4–5 June in 2005, was an amazing 87.44 km (54.33 miles) long!

What you need

  • Old newspapers, magazines or coloured card
  • Scissors
  • A stapler

 

 

Instructions

 

1) Folding

Take your paper or card, and fold concertina-style (as if you are making a paper fan).  Keep going until you have folded the whole sheet of paper.

 

2) Draw a template

Draw a person on the front fold.  Make sure the arms (and feet if you like) reach each folded edge, as this will be how the figures connect.

 

3) Snip snip

Cut around most of your person, and through all the layers of paper, but remember not to cut out the whole shape! Make sure to avoid cutting where the arms (and feet) reach the edge of the folds – this keeps them linked.

 

4) The big reveal

Unfold your paper to reveal a connected people paper chain.  Tape or staple chains together to make them as long as you like.

Top tip: Have fun and play with sizes, colours and shapes – you could dress your people or add hair styles.

Why not get together with your neighbours?

See who can make the longest people paper chain! Each of you could write something inside your own chain – such as a poem, fact about yourself or a wish – and hang it up on your street.

Celebrate if you
enjoyed this